Chapter 32: M.J.

The bell rang, echoing through the halls just as they approached the rowdy room. "Alright class, time to discuss our semiannual mock war," Nelly Terran projected. The murmurs died down a little. "As you know, every year we have two mock wars. One at the beginning and one at the end of the school year. These games act as checkpoints to see how your magic has developed and grown," Nelly began. She and Winter made eye contact as she continued, "You will be divided into teams and the results will be posted after two days on the bulletin in the hall." Winter raised her hand and Nelly nodded her head, "How are teams chosen?" Everyone looked at her. Winter assumed it was because they weren't used to hearing her vocalizing her questions during class. Nelly smiled, "Randomly." Winter maintained a neutral expression, lowering her hand. Something in Nelly's smile told her there was a little more to it than that. Winter sat back and observed as Nelly wrote the teams on the board. The volume in the class increased again as everyone scrambled to find their names. Winter leaned forward, surprised to discover that she was in a team with M.J. and Leo. Winter searched for her friend's names and saw that Mandy and Layla were in a group with Brenna Abbott. She glanced over at them to see Layla brooding and a dark cloud hanging over Mandy's head. Nelly Terran clapped her hands to quiet the class, "As usual, you will have one week to practice with your team. Figure out your dynamic, adapt, and get stronger." Winter smirked. It seemed like a golden opportunity had fallen into her lap. Her smirk faded as she realized that these things never came easy, there was always a price. Her eyes floated back to Nelly who was watching her. Nelly lowered her head and wrote something on a piece of paper. She shifted and let the paper fall on the floor just behind the podium before saying, "Your practice will start tomorrow. If there's no more questions, the meeting is adjourned." Nelly left the classroom without so much as a glance. The class began raving about the mock war and the newly revealed teams. Winter snapped and her shoelaces came undone. "I can't believe we're in a team together again!" "No, I don't wanna be with him. He's weak." "We have to try to make it to the top this year." Winter stood and gradually made her way to the podium to avoid arousing suspicion. She leaned down, pretending to notice her untied shoe and discretely picked up the piece of paper Nelly left. She quietly slipped it into her pocket, tied her laces and stood. Layla and Mandy were grumbling at their seats when Winter walked up to them, "What? You're not stoked to be grouped with the Ice Queen?" They both glared at her and she ramped up the sarcasm, "I'm sure she's thrilled to be teamed up with you." Layla let out a monotone laugh and Winter smiled, "Let's go someplace quieter." Layla nodded. Before they even made out of the doorway, Jax nearly tackled them. His face was red-hot, steam practically coming out of his ears. Lucas came up behind him. Winter side eyed him, "You guys found out your teams for the mock war just now?" Lucas rose his head. Based on Jax's reaction Winter guessed, "You got paired with Sam?" Jax's dark, hate-filled eyes settled on hers and Lucas spoke up, "The three of us are in a group together." He was slightly grimacing, but kept a calming hand on Jax to keep him grounded. Winter thought of the teams, of the note in her pocket. She looked around. The teams were too convenient to be randomized. "Winter?" Her focus went back to Mandy who said, "We're going to talk in the courtyard. Are you coming?" She shook her head, "I'll be there in a minute. You guys can go first."